Stoner’s MotoGP Test Delayed by Rain

August 6, 2013

By Byron Wilson

Casey Stoner during the first day of testing at Motegi, where he’ll provide input on the 2014 prototype.

Former MotoGP champion Casey Stoner was supposed to spend the day re-acquainting himself with the 2013 RC213V at Twin Ring Motegi and then move to test the 2014 prototype, but rains arrived after six laps and put an end to testing until conditions improve.

Stoner retired from racing at the end of the 2012 season and hasn’t piloted on a MotoGP racebike since. Honda Racing brought Stoner back for a four day test at Motegi as they work to develop a machine for the 2014 GP season, and has also planned for the Australian to ride the new production racer that will be available to GP teams next year.

“It was good to get back on the bike, if only for a few laps,” said Stoner. “We only managed to get one run in before the rain arrived which was a little disappointing. It was really nice to get that first run, it’s been 9 months since I’ve been on a bike and it’s going to take me some time to get used to everything again! The bike and the track felt good and I hope that we can get some better testing in tomorrow with some dry track time and run some more laps.”